UNESCO boosts university radio in Nigeria
28-09-2007 (Abuja)
Signing of transfer
© UNESCO
UNESCO granted to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) equipment worth over US$9,000 for its Mass Communication Radio station.
According to the Director of UNESCO's Office in Abuja, Abhimanyu Singh, who presented the equipment to the university management, this gesture was in line with the Organization's efforts to support independent and pluralistic media in the country.
"The Support for Independent and Pluralistic Media project was approved in 2007 within the strategic plans of UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector for the development of a free and vibrant local media," Mr Singh added. "Responsible national media creates a platform for citizens to constantly engage their leaders at all levels towards ensuring even growth and development of the society."
UNILAG Radio, the only community radio in the country, has served as a training centre for journalists not only in Nigeria but across the whole Africa. It was, therefore, identified as a potential centre for excellence.
During the official handover of the equipment, namely audio mixers, portable audio recorders, audio tapes and compact discs, and external microphones, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi, stressed that the relationship between UNESCO and his University had lasted over 40 years.
"UNESCO has been supportive of the Department of Mass Communication since its inception in 1966; it was through the UNESCO assistance that the department first applied for a radio broadcasting license in 1975."
According to Prof. Odugbemi, UNILAG Radio, 103.1, has been an instrument for effective intra- and interuniversity communication network, and the equipment granted by UNESCO will strengthen the practical work of students and staff of the Department.
"The Support for Independent and Pluralistic Media project was approved in 2007 within the strategic plans of UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector for the development of a free and vibrant local media," Mr Singh added. "Responsible national media creates a platform for citizens to constantly engage their leaders at all levels towards ensuring even growth and development of the society."
UNILAG Radio, the only community radio in the country, has served as a training centre for journalists not only in Nigeria but across the whole Africa. It was, therefore, identified as a potential centre for excellence.
During the official handover of the equipment, namely audio mixers, portable audio recorders, audio tapes and compact discs, and external microphones, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi, stressed that the relationship between UNESCO and his University had lasted over 40 years.
"UNESCO has been supportive of the Department of Mass Communication since its inception in 1966; it was through the UNESCO assistance that the department first applied for a radio broadcasting license in 1975."
According to Prof. Odugbemi, UNILAG Radio, 103.1, has been an instrument for effective intra- and interuniversity communication network, and the equipment granted by UNESCO will strengthen the practical work of students and staff of the Department.
Official handover of the equipment© UNESCO
Related themes/countries
· Nigeria
· Community Media
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